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Valentines day
On Valentine’s day we celebrate love, both romantic and platonic. Some may take this day to be the day we declare our love and ask for a Valentine. On this day there are a variety of plans that are made from dates with friends which are labeled as “Galentines” and dates with partners. Romantic gestures are displayed all over the world because of Valentine’s Day, in fact, Valentine’s Day is one of the highest selling points on flowers for many stores such as Publix. Stores become stocked with pink and red decorations and heart chocolates everywhere for this reason.
Origin of Valentine’s day
Valentine’s day is a fragment from both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. The story originates behind a patron saint named St. Valentine, but the story of Valentines remains a mystery.
A legend states that in the third century of Rome, when Emperor Claudius II (Roman emperor from 268 to 270 AD) outlawed marriage for young men because he believed they made better soldiers, the priest St. Valentine, went against Claudius and began performing secret marriages for these young men. Unfortunately when Claudius found out what the priest was doing he sentenced him to death. Pope Gelasius canonized Valentine and declared February 14 St. Valentine’s day.
One legend states that St. Valentine fell in love with his jailor’s daughter who often visited him when he was confined for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. Valentine then wrote her the first valentine to ever be sent, signed “From your Valentine”. This made Valentine one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Another legend states it began during the Lupercalia festival which was a festival that was celebrated for centuries as a celebration of fertility where Roman men and women paired up. There is a dark history to how the Lupercalia festival was celebrated back then which included the sacrifice of goats and dogs and the use of their hides to whip women.
In other words, the story of Valentine’s day is unknown but is still celebrated today as a holiday for love and romantic gestures. Millions of people all over the world use this day to not only honor St. Valentine but also spend time with their loved ones.
Sources:
- https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
- https://www.torchonline.com/features/2023/02/14/history-of-valentines-day/
- https://www.nytimes.com/article/valentines-day-facts-history.html
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/saint-st-valentines-day
